In various articles on blackjack previously published on Casinoz, we have repeatedly emphasized the importance of playing according to a strategy tailored to all the nuances of the rules. However, a savvy blackjack fan cannot memorize a strategy chart and follow all its recommendations mechanically. They will inevitably want to understand each case. Only in this way can one become a true advantage gambler, finely understanding the game.
Below, we will explain how to play some tricky hands in blackjack. These are situations where inexperienced players often make mistakes. Our explanations will help you grasp once and for all how to proceed in each one.
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Even Money in Blackjack
Do you think a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush? Not in the case of the even money in blackjack.
Consistently accepting a payout of 1:1 when you have a blackjack and the dealer shows an ace will increase the house edge by approximately 4% in the long run. Therefore, it's not worth taking even money.
Exceptions are only possible if you count cards and the count is unfavorable.
Sixteen Against Seven
Many novice blackjack players hit on 16 against a dealer's ten but stand if the dealer shows a seven. This is an even more serious mistake. The likelihood of busting on 16 is the same whether the dealer has a seven or a ten, but your chances of winning with a dealer's seven are much higher. You could draw a small card while the dealer could draw a ten.
Now, let's consider this situation from a mathematical point of view, which is the most accurate one in blackjack.
- Drawing a card on 16 against a ten reduces the likelihood of losing from 77% to 76%.
- If you draw a card on 16 against a seven, your chances of losing decrease from 74% to 70%.
Therefore, it's imperative to hit if you have 16 and the dealer has a seven (just like if they have a 10).
Pair of Eights Against Ten
Many inexperienced blackjack players do not split eights into two hands against the dealer's ten, as they risk doubling their loss. However, this must be done. In this situation, any decision leaves you in an unfavorable position, but splitting eights significantly increases the likelihood of a favorable outcome.
So muster your courage and always split when you have two eights against the dealer's ten. It's the best thing you can do in such a situation.
Eleven Against Ten
Any novice who has taken the first steps in blackjack knows that basic strategy recommends doubling down on eleven. But deciding on such a move can be challenging when the dealer has a ten! Many think they will draw a small card while the dealer will get another ten.
But the reality is:
The dealer's chances of getting twenty are less than your chances of getting twenty or twenty-one.
Compare:
- If you always hit a card in such a situation, you will win in 56% of cases in the long run.
- If you double down, the probability of winning decreases to 54%, but with double the bet.
It's easy to see that doubling down is the right decision with your 11 against the dealer's 10.
Twelve Against Two
Your 12 against the dealer's open deuce is a very unpleasant gaming situation, often confusing newbie gamblers. Take a card, and you might bust. Don't take one; the dealer can easily beat you with a hand totaling 17 or higher.
In fact, you should always hit on 12 against a dealer's 2.
What do blackjack experts say about this situation?
- First, there are more chances not to bust than to bust.
- Second, a dealer with a 2 is less vulnerable than it might seem.
So take another card and hope for a favorable outcome.
Soft 18 Against Nine
Think you should stand? Absolutely not!
- If you stop hitting a card on an ace and a 7 against the dealer's 9, you will win approximately 40% of the time.
- However, if you continue drawing cards until you have a soft 19 or a hard 17, your chances of winning increase to 45%.
The conclusion is obvious.
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Conclusion
We hope our explanations have helped you understand why you should act in the discussed situations. Ultimately, it all boils down to the mathematical probability of different outcomes. If a decision increases your chances of winning, you should make it, even if you feel it's not in your favor.
Forget about your fears, dwindling bankroll, or intuition. Always play as advised by the optimal strategy. It's the best way to achieve maximum results in blackjack.
The articles on blackjack on Casinoz will help you better understand this game.
